BBVA Compass previewed the app at the Future of Mobile Banking Conference in London and the company is the first U.S.-based financial institutions to roll out a native app for the Blackberry Playbook. The company also has apps available on Blackberry smartphones, iPhones, iPads and Android devices.

“At BBVA, we view this shift in how people live their lives as an incredible opportunity to improve customer experience – allowing people to choose when, where and how they bank – while becoming ever more efficient,” said Alex Carriles, senior vice president and director of mobile and internet strategies at BBVA Compass, Birmingham, AL.

BBVA Compass is a financial institution with more than 700 branches, including Texas, Alabama and Colorado.

Multiple mobile platforms
On the app, users are able to view account information from their deposits, loans and credit cards. They can also view transactions, statements, check images, transfer funds and locate nearby BBVA Compass branches.

BBVA Compass also offers a SMS service for customers where they can keep up to date on their account balances, transactions and transfers.

BBVA Compass’ strategy when creating this app was to meet customers’ needs for on-the-go banking, per Mr. Carriles.

“BBVA Compass’ strategy with the application for BlackBerry PlayBook is to provide a solution to our customer’s needs and preferences by providing them with the ability to bank within the mobile device of their choice, in this instance, the BlackBerry PlayBook,” he said.

“BBVA Compass is focused on supporting the most advanced and customer-engaging devices in the market, one of which is the PlayBook.”

Digital banks
BBVA Compass’s news about the Blackberry Playbook marks the first U.S. financial institution to tap into the device with a native app, but it is only a string of developments for mobile payments.

Charles Schwab, Chase, ING and Bank of America are just a few of the financial institutions to break into mobile to meet the needs of their on-the-go customers.

Mobile payments via mobile have quickly risen with 30 million U.S. consumers accessing mobile devices in the last quarter of 2010. (see story).

Additionally, Ink from Chase, recently rolled out a mobile app that lets small business owners manage expenses on the go.

The trend of mobile banking continues with the overall mobile trends in the industry – making life easier for consumers with new platforms that let them stay engaged with the brands and companies they regularly interact with.

“Without a doubt, technology is transforming the banking business and revolutionizing the client experience as people demand new distribution models that match the way they live,” Mr. Carriles said. 

“As such, the demand for mobile banking will continue to increase exponentially as the use of mobile devices continues to grow,” he said.